Spotify strikes “ethical AI” deals with major labels to protect artists’ rights

Spotify says it is developing new AI tools for music creation, but only in a way that protects artists and songwriters. The company announced it will license music from Sony, Universal, Warner, Merlin and Believe, which together control most of the world’s commercial music.

The firm says the goal is to build AI features that put human creators first and respect copyright. Spotify promises that artists will be asked for permission before their work is used and will be paid fairly through upfront agreements — not after the fact.

This move comes after musicians such as Dua Lipa, Elton John and Paul McCartney warned that AI models are copying their voices and songs without payment or approval. Spotify says it will let artists choose if they want to participate in AI projects.

Some managers and critics warn that AI music could still reduce income for human artists by flooding streaming platforms with cheap, machine-made tracks. Others welcome Spotify’s approach because it includes licensing and consent, unlike many AI companies that scrape music without permission.

Spotify already uses AI for recommendations and custom playlists, but it claims it does not generate original music itself. It recently removed AI songs that mimicked artists’ voices, such as a viral track copying Drake and The Weekend.